They arrived (north central Iowa) about five-six weeks ago and up until last week, they’ve been at the feeder every day. One day we had five at the same time.
But we haven’t seen one for several days, and a friend who also feeds them says she hasn’t seen any either.
Were we just a way-station? They don’t hang around all summer? I’ve looked at several sites but can’t find anything except migration routes.
I don’t know whether to keep stocking the feeder, or put it away for next year.
If they have nestlings, it’s possible they may be spending most of their time hunting up insects because the growing young need a lot of protein. What’s in your feeders? They may come back once the nutritional requirements of the young change.
Grape jelly, half an orange, and sugar water. Should we add anything else to help them out?
I’ll keep the feeder up.
From here:
Oh, birds! You’re talking about birds!
If we were talking about Orioles, you wouldn’t have to ask. They’ve been in the cellar for a while.
:eek: You keep your orioles in the cellar?
I keep mine right here, where I can keep an eye on them.
EW!
Googled for mealworms and found a photo. Just ew.
They’re gonna have to make do with the oranges and jelly.
(Sorry about the other orioles.)
Minneapolis here and I’ve seen a few the last couple weeks. For what it’s worth to you.
hiding in shame for being out bopped by a rockin’ robin.
Or they could have packed up all their care and woe . . .
they host Tampa Bay this weekend, then they’re off for a series in Toronto.
BTW it’s my sense that, given a particular reason, a Blue Jay would kick an Oriole’s ass.
Tampa Bay’s the (devil) rays, so that’s just an odd face-off.
I’ve got two orioles on my chest.